Black Balled

By: Andrea Smith, Eva LeNoir

Narrated by: Joel Leslie

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Two dominant males, two worthy adversaries, in a business that takes no prisoners will soon learn that fate refuses to be ignored.

My name is Troy Babilonia, but I'm best known as Babu, a renowned literary critic with my own online column. I'm followed by thousands! I'm a living god in the literary world. I have no filter, and for that my flock of humble followers are forever grateful. If it weren't for me, they wouldn't know what to read. I have zero tolerance for weak-minded attention seekers, nor do I have respect for the self-proclaimed geniuses of the indie world. My advice to all indie authors is to never break the cardinal rule in this cutthroat business. Ever.

My name is L. Blackburn, and I'm an indie author. My extraordinary genius was loved and worshiped throughout the literary world until one egocentric critic tried to obliterate my career. It seems I broke some "cardinal rule", and now I'm paying the price for it. But I don't plan on going down without a fight.

©2014 Andrea Smith (P)2023 Andrea Smith

WOW!!!

I was given this audible as a gift from Andrea Smith in return for an honest review. I have to say thank you Andrea for the gift. You and Eva LeNoir have done an absolutely excellent job with this story. This is the first time I have listened to an audible book and it was amazing. I love being able to hear the emotion behind the wonderful writing. The narrator did a great job in making this story come to life. I really enjoyed this audible, not just because the story is my absolute favorite, but also because the narrator helped me enjoy it even more. I do not know if I need to mention "spoiler alert" for this bit but the bonus chapters were a great addition. It was an absolute treat hearing from the characters that have such an impact in our two main characters lives.

Quirky. I think I liked it.

I'm not always a fan of books where chapters alternate between two main characters - I find it a little jarring sometimes. This one however wasn't too bad.
Few books successfully handle two very alpha males, there's usually a clearly distinction. This one seems to work really well. Interestingly the bonus chapters at the end are a treat - two minor characters take to the floor and review some of the story from their point of view. Loved that especially.

I feel like I have met these people before

Where does Black Balled rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I rated this a 4 star, but it is a solid 4 star. Good story, interesting characters, humorous, excellent narrator. My only issue is that at times the MC's, especially Babu, were hard to like. I have met sanctimonious reviewers like him before, and it was a little hard for me to warm to him. That said, I came to enjoy the back and forth banter between the two men, and the ending was satisfying.

What about Joel Leslie’s performance did you like?

I love Joel Leslie. He is an incredible actor with a versatile voice. You know a narrator is good when you forget you are listening to a reading and you become absorbed in the characters. I have listened to several of his books now, and I am consistently happy.

Great Story

I loved these guys. They are so different, but oh so similar. They ground each other. They good for each other and the sex scenes....rocking hot! Elevators have a new meaning for me..thanks ladies!
Great characters and great story. Don't miss out, download it today!!!

Very interesting Story

Would you listen to Black Balled again? Why?

I don't think I would listen to it again. It was an interesting story, I liked the concept but I had a hard time with the narrator. This was my first MM audio book and with one narrator doing both characters it kind of got confusing at times.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I didn't have a favorite character. They were both equally interesting.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes I thought it did

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There was a particular moment. The book had it's highs and lows. Overall, it was good.

Unique, witty and refreshing

Loved the alpha conflicting personalities. Thoroughly enjoyed the witty, masculine banter. Even enjoyed the dual uncontrollable tempers. Authors brought it all together in a great story.

And Joel Leslie... well, you can can't go wrong listening to any romance narrated with his versatile, sexy voice.

Hilarious

Troy and Larson both come across as being jerks who only care about themselves at first. It took a bit of time to see how deep they really are and to begin to like them. The snark and arguing are hilarious and great foreplay. I would definitely recommend this story for everyone who loves a good jerk well really two.

Wonderful!

I had previously read this book in ebook format and it was very good...one of my favorites last year! Listening to it on audible was a whole new experience! Joel Leslie did a phenomenal job did a wonderful job bringing these complex characters to life in a new way. I loved every second of it!

This book!

Oh my god! I loved loved loved this book. The authors have weaved some amazing literary awesome here. Must read!

omg listening to this one is amazing

this book is amazing love the narrator as well as the author amazing listen couldn't stop listening